JP2021044739A - Apparatus, information processing device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent processing different from processing set in a storage area associated with an information processing element in an apparatus from being processed to data to be stored in a storage area of another apparatus by executing the information processing element copied from the former apparatus to the latter apparatus.SOLUTION: A backup generation part 122 generates backup data including a hash value of processing content data of an instruction associated with a box 132 designated as an output destination of a processing result of a one-touch application 136 and the one-touch application 136 itself in response to an instruction to back up the one-touch application 136 being an example of an information processing element. An application copy part 124 compares the hash value of the processing content of the instruction associated with the box of the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 in the backup data with the hash value in the data in response to an instruction to copy the backup data, and notifies a user if both the hash values are not coincident.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to devices, information processing devices and programs.

A logical storage area called a confidential box or security box is provided in a device such as a multifunction device (a device that also has functions such as a printer, a scanner, and a fax device) to store data such as fax data, scan data, and print data. Is being done. A plurality of such storage areas are prepared, and it is possible to limit the users who can access each storage area by setting a password and a user authority.

In addition, a user who can access the storage area is associated with the storage area. Such a user is referred to as the owner or access right holder of the storage area.

Further, there is also known a mechanism for associating a storage area such as a confidential box with a process for data stored in the storage area. For example, there is a multifunction device that can set a kind of program called "instruction sheet" or "job flow" for a confidential box. In this type of multifunction device, when data is saved in a confidential box, it automatically waits for an explicit execution instruction from the user, or when preset execution conditions are met, for that data. The process represented by the instruction set in the confidential box is executed.

Further, there is also known a device having a function of accepting registration of an information processing element that defines the content of processing and executing one of the registered information processing elements instructed by a user as an execution target. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism in which processing execution data called a one-touch application in which a processing procedure to be executed is registered in advance is registered in an image forming apparatus and an execution instruction of the one-touch application is received from a user. The one-touch application is an example of the above information processing element.

Further, there is also known a device having a function of associating a storage area as a storage destination of data obtained as a result of the processing with an information processing element that defines the content of the processing.

Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for dealing with some problems in the case where a one-touch application created for one image forming apparatus is copied (also referred to as cloning) to another image forming apparatus and used. .. With this technology, if the one-touch application uses a function that the copy source device has but the copy destination device does not, the one-touch application does not operate normally on the copy destination device. We are dealing with it. Further, in this technique, when the one-touch application includes the specification of the parameters (for example, print density) of the image forming apparatus, the copy source desires the parameters of the one-touch application due to individual differences in the performance of the image forming apparatus. However, the problem that the desired processing result cannot be obtained by the copy destination device is addressed.

Patent Document 2 discloses a method for restoring a set value without error without increasing the time and effort of the user even if the model variation increases. In this method, the setting information and the identification information for recognizing the type of the image forming apparatus main body are backed up in an external storage medium. When restoring, determine whether or not the setting information needs to be corrected, and make corrections if necessary. Items that need to be confirmed and corrected by the user are automatically selected from the correction contents and presented to the user.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-16857 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-103411

For example, when replacing a certain device with a new device, it may be convenient to be able to copy the information processing element registered in the first device to another second device. When the information processing element associated with the storage area corresponding to a certain identification information (called the first identification information) in the first device is simply copied to the second device, the information processing element is in the second device. , Will be associated with the storage area corresponding to the same first identification information.

Here, the program set in the storage area corresponding to the first identification information in the second device performs a process different from the program set in the storage area corresponding to the first identification information in the first device. It may be specified. In this case, when the information processing element copied to the second device is executed, the information processing element is executed by the first device for the data saved in the storage area in the second device by the execution. Processing different from the processing performed on the data will be executed. Therefore, the execution of the information processing element in the second device may cause an unexpected situation of the first user.

In the present invention, data stored in a storage area in the latter device by executing an information processing element copied from one device to another device is stored in the former device in association with the information processing element. It provides a mechanism to prevent the process different from the process set in the area from being executed.

The invention according to claim 1 is an information processing element possessed by the own device and includes an information processing element including identification information of a storage area for storing processing result data obtained by executing the processing specified by the information processing element. A generation means for generating and outputting first backup data including process specific information that uniquely identifies the process applied to the process result data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information in the device. , When an instruction to copy the second backup data generated by the generation means of another device to the own device is input from the instructor, the identification information included in the information processing element included in the second backup data is If the first process applied to the process result data stored in the first storage area in the own device is the same as the second process specified by the process specific information included in the second backup data, It is a device including a copying means that copies the information processing element to its own device and notifies the instructor if the first process is different from the second process.

In the invention according to claim 2, the copying means presents, as the notification, an inquiry as to whether or not to cancel the association between the first storage area and the first process to the instructor, and responds to the inquiry. When the instructor replies that the association is to be canceled, the association between the first storage area and the first process is canceled, and the information processing element in the second backup data is sent to the own device. The device according to claim 1, which is to be copied.

In the invention according to claim 3, the first backup data generated by the generation means further includes communication address information of its own device, and the copy means is stored in the first storage area as the notification. An inquiry as to whether or not to change the process applied to the saved processing result data from the first process to the second process is presented to the instructor, and the instructor changes the inquiry. When answering, the processing content information that defines the processing content of the second processing is acquired from the other device using the communication address information of the other device included in the second backup data, and the acquired processing content information is obtained. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second processing is applied to the processing result data stored in the first storage area by associating the first storage area with the first storage area.

The invention according to claim 4 is applied to the first backup data generated by the generation means, and further to the processing result data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information in the own device. The copy means includes the process content information that defines the process content of the process, and the copy means performs the process applied to the process result data stored in the first storage area as the notification from the first process to the second process. When the instructor is presented with an inquiry as to whether or not to change to, and the instructor replies to the inquiry that the change is made, the processing content of the second process included in the second backup data. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second processing is applied to the processing result data stored in the first storage area by associating the information with the first storage area. ..

In the invention according to claim 5, the first backup data generated by the generation means further includes user identification information of a user associated with the storage area indicated by the identification information in the own device. When the user identification information included in the second backup data is different from the user identification information of the user associated with the first storage area, the copy means notifies the instructor. Item 2. The device according to item 1.

In the invention according to claim 6, the copying means in the other device, when the user identification information included in the second backup data is different from the user identification information of the user associated with the first storage area. Among the plurality of storage areas, a storage area is found in which the same processing as the second processing is applied to the processing result data associated with the same user identification information as the user identification information included in the second backup data and stored. For example, the information processing element in the second backup data is copied to the own device after rewriting the identification information in the information processing element with the identification information of the found storage area, and the information processing element of the information processing element. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, which notifies the instructor that the processing result data obtained by execution is stored in the found storage area.

The invention according to claim 7 includes identification information of a storage area in which a computer included in the device is an information processing element possessed by the device and stores processing result data obtained by executing a process specified by the information processing element. The first backup data including the information processing element and the process specific information uniquely specifying the process applied to the process result data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information in the own device is generated. When an instruction to copy the second backup data generated by the generation means of another device to the own device is input from the instructor, the information processing element included in the second backup data The first process applied to the process result data stored in the first storage area in the own device indicated by the included identification information is the second process specified by the process specific information included in the second backup data. If they are the same, it is a program for copying the information processing element to the own device and functioning as a copying means for notifying the instructor if the first process is different from the second process.

The invention according to claim 8 is an information processing element possessed by the first device, which includes an information processing element including identification information of a storage area for storing processing result data obtained by executing the information processing element, and the first device. An acquisition means for acquiring backup data including process specific information that uniquely identifies the first process applied to the process result data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information, and an instruction from the instructor. The copy means includes a copy means for copying the information processing element in the backup data to the second device, and the copy means is the data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information in the second device. This is an information processing apparatus that notifies the instructor when the second process applied to the above is different from the first process specified by the process specific information.

The invention according to claim 9 describes the computer as an information processing element included in the information processing element of the first device and including identification information of a storage area for storing processing result data obtained by executing the information processing element. From an acquisition means or an instructor who acquires backup data including process specific information that uniquely identifies the first process applied to the process result data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information in the first device. A program for functioning as a copy means for copying the information processing element in the backup data to the second device in response to the instruction of the copy means, wherein the identification information in the second device is used in the copy means. This is a program that notifies the instructor when the second process applied to the data stored in the storage area shown is different from the first process specified by the process specific information.

According to the inventions according to claims 1 and 7-9, with respect to the data stored in the storage area in the latter device by executing the information processing element copied from one device to another device, the data is stored in the former device. It is possible to provide a mechanism for preventing execution of a process different from the process set in the storage area associated with the information processing element.

According to the invention of claim 2, even if the information processing element in the second backup data is copied to the own device and executed, the processing result data due to the execution is subjected to the first processing different from the second processing. Can be prevented from being executed.

According to the invention according to claim 3 or 4, when the information processing element in the second backup data is copied to the own device and executed, the processing result data due to the execution is processed in the same manner as in the second processing. Can be executed.

According to the invention of claim 5, when the user identification information associated with the storage area for storing the processing result data of the information processing element is different between the copy source device and the copy destination device, the user is notified to that effect. I can inform you.

According to the invention of claim 6, in the copy destination device associated with the same user identification information as the user identification information associated with the storage area for storing the processing result data of the information processing element in the copy source device. The processing result data of the copied information processing element can be saved in the storage area.

It is a figure which shows the example of the system of embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the example of the UI screen of a device. It is a figure which shows an example of the data content of a box management information. It is a figure which shows an example of the data content of an instruction sheet. It is a figure for demonstrating the situation which may occur when the one-touch application installed in a device is copied to another device. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing procedure of the backup generation part in the apparatus of embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the first half part of the processing procedure of the application copy part in the device of embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the latter half part of the processing procedure of the application copy part in the device of embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing procedure of the backup generation part in the apparatus of modification 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the latter half part of the processing procedure of the application copy part in the device of modification 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing procedure of the backup generation part in the apparatus of modification 2. It is a figure which shows an example of the first half part of the processing procedure of the application copy part in the device of modification 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the subroutine of the processing procedure of the application copy part in the device of the modification 2. It is a figure which shows the example of the system of the modification 3.

<Example of system configuration>
FIG. 1 illustrates the system configuration of this embodiment. This system includes a group of 100 devices connected to a network 300 such as a local area network and a client PC (personal computer) 200.

The device 100 includes an operation panel 110, a control unit 120, and a storage device 130.

The operation panel 110 includes, for example, a graphical user interface type input / output device such as a touch panel display device, displays a UI (user interface) screen for the user, and receives an operation input from the user for the UI screen. Further, the operation panel 110 may have an input device different from the display device, such as a start button for instructing the start of processing execution and a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values.

The control unit 120 is a part that bears the information processing function of the device 100, and has hardware for the information processing function, that is, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a memory for primary storage. Further, the control unit 120 has programs such as an OS (operating system), firmware, and various application programs that are executed using such hardware. The backup generation unit 122, the application copy unit 124, or the client UI unit 126 shown in the control unit 120 are functions realized by executing a program. These functions will be described later.

The storage device 130 is a secondary storage device, that is, a device for storing data semi-permanently (that is, continuously storing data unless there is an explicit deletion instruction). The storage device 130 is, for example, a disk device (for example, a hard disk, a solid state disk, or the like). The storage device 130 is managed by, for example, the file system of the OS of the control unit 120. Data such as the box management information 134 and the one-touch application 136 are stored in the storage device 130. Further, the storage device 130 can be provided with one or more boxes 132, which is an example of a storage area described later. Box 132 may be implemented, for example, as a folder in the file system.

Generally speaking, the device 100 has an information processing function for executing a computer program. The control unit 120 is a part that bears the information processing function of the device 100.

Further, the device 100 may have hardware that has functions other than the information processing function, such as a printing mechanism, a scanning mechanism, a facsimile transmission / reception mechanism, and a network communication device. An image processing device such as a multifunction device is an example of the device 100.

The device 100 has one or more logical storage areas for storing data such as files. Some multifunction devices as an example of the device 100 can set one or more storage areas called a confidential box or a security box. In the example of FIG. 1, such a storage area is expressed as a box 132. In the box 132, for example, the scanned image data obtained by the scan function, the data obtained by processing the scanned image data, the facsimile data received by the facsimile function, and the e-mail received by the mail receiving function of the device 100 Etc., various data can be saved.

A user who can access the storage area can be associated with, that is, set in the storage area in the device 100. Such a user is referred to herein as the owner of the storage area.

Further, each storage area in the device 100 can be associated with a process applied to the data stored in the storage area. The process associated with the storage area is applied, that is, executed to the data stored in the storage area.

Some of the processes applied to the data stored in the storage area are defined by the functions of the device 100 and the setting information (for example, various parameters) about the functions, or as a program executed by the information processing function. Some are stipulated.

Examples of the former include print processing in which the print density and print mode (that is, a mode for specifying whether to print in black and white or full color) are specified as setting information, or facsimile transmission processing in which the fax number of the destination is specified as setting information. .. In this example, as information representing the processing applied to the data stored in the storage area, the identification information of the function of the device 100 used for the processing (for example, the identification information indicating the printing function) and the setting applied to the function are used. Information (for example, a set of print density and print mode) and information including information are registered in the device 100 in association with the storage area.

Further, in the latter case, that is, in the case where the process to be applied to the data stored in the storage area is defined by the program, the user creates a program that defines the process, and the created program is used as information that defines the process. It may be associated (ie, set) with a storage area. In addition, the user selects one from the existing programs prepared in the device 100, and inputs the data contents of the part (for example, setting information such as parameters) that can be customized by the user in the program. The method may be to create information that defines the process and associate that information with the storage area. This information includes, for example, information identifying an existing program of choice by the user and data content entered by the user for individual customizable parts of the program.

The information that defines the processing to be applied to the data stored in the storage area in this way may be configured as data called an instruction sheet or a job flow as in the example described later. The instruction sheet is data that defines the processing that can be executed by using one or more functions of the device 100. Among the functions of the device 100, the functions realized by the information processing of the control unit 120, the functions realized by the hardware mechanism such as the scanner and the printer of the device 100, and the information processing and the scanner of the control unit 120. Functions realized by a combination of hardware mechanisms such as are included. Some of the processes specified by the instruction sheet are specified by the function of the device 100 and the setting information about the function, and some are specified as a program executed by the information processing function of the device 100. Information such as an instruction sheet that defines the processing to be applied to the data stored in the storage area is installed in, for example, the storage device 130 of the device 100.

Further, an information processing element can be registered in the device 100. The information processing element is data that defines a process that can be executed by using one or more functions of the device 100. Some of the processes specified by the information processing element are specified by the function of the device 100 and the setting information (for example, various parameters) about the function, and some are specified as a program executed by the information processing function of the device 100. Some are done. An example of the former is, for example, a specific scanning process defined by a combination of a scanning function and scanning setting information (for example, scanning resolution). Further, as an example of the latter, for example, there is a process of operating a scanning function and saving the scanned image data obtained by the operation in a specific storage area.

In the former example, the information processing element includes information indicating identification information of a function of the device 100 used for processing and setting information about the function.

In the latter example, the user may create a program that defines the processing and register the created program in the device 100 as an information processing element. Further, the user selects one from the existing programs prepared in the device 100, and inputs the data contents of the user-customizable part (for example, setting information such as parameters) of the program. Then, an information processing element may be created and the information processing element may be registered in the device 100. In this case, the information processing element includes, for example, information identifying an existing program selected by the user and data content entered by the user for individual customizable parts of the program.

The information processing elements illustrated above may be created as data called, for example, an instruction sheet or a job flow.

When the user explicitly instructs the execution of the information processing element, or when the execution conditions preset in the device 100 for the information processing element are satisfied, the processing defined by the information processing element is performed by the device 100. Is executed by. When the information processing element includes a program that defines the content of processing, the program is executed by the information processing function of the device 100. In order to receive an execution instruction of the information processing element from the user, an icon representing the information processing element may be displayed on the UI (user interface) screen displayed on the operation panel 110 or the like of the device 100. In this case, when the user selects the icon of the information processing element on the UI screen and operates the execution instruction, the process specified by the information processing element is executed.

When the processing specified by the information processing element outputs the result of the processing as electronic data (hereinafter referred to as processing result data), the information defining the output destination of the processing result data is the information processing element. include. It is also possible to select a storage area such as a confidential box as the output destination of the processing result data. In that case, the information processing element is the storage area of the output destination of the processing result data (that is, the box in the example of FIG. 1). Includes identification information that uniquely identifies 132).

The identification information of the storage area is not globally unique, but is unique among the storage areas provided in the same device 100. Therefore, if an information processing element whose processing result is output to a storage area corresponding to a certain identification information (referred to as the first identification information) in the first device 100 is simply copied to the second device 100, the second device 100 is second. The processing result of the information processing element in the device 100 is output to the storage area in the second device 100 corresponding to the same first identification information.

In the example of FIG. 1, the one-touch application 136, which is an example of the information processing element, is installed in the device 100. These one-touch applications 136 are stored in the storage device 130 in the device 100. The icon of each one-touch application 136 is displayed on the UI screen displayed on the operation panel 110.

For example, on the UI screen 400 of the device 100 illustrated in FIG. 2, icons 410 representing buttons for calling each processing function provided by the device 100 are arranged in a matrix. If the number of processing functions is too large to fit on one screen, the icons 410 groups are also displayed in another screen display area displayed by scrolling or turning pages. Some of the icons 410 displayed on the UI screen 400 correspond to native functions such as the copy button 412 and the fax transmission button 414 that the device 100 has at the time of shipment from the factory. Moreover, the icon 416 of the one-touch application 136 may be included in those icons 410. The one-touch application 136 is software that represents, for example, a function by various information processing executed by the control unit 120, or a complex function that combines one or more native functions of the device 100 and information processing. For example, the one-touch application 136 indicated by the “YYY transmission” icon 416 illustrated in FIG. 2 uses the FAX transmission / reception function of the control unit 120 to read the image read by the scanning function of the device 100, and faxes the YYY company. It is software that represents the function of faxing to a number. The user can create data of the one-touch application 136 that defines the processing content desired by the user and install it on the device 100.

When the user presses the icon 416 on the UI screen 400 by a touch operation or the like, the one-touch application 136 corresponding to the icon 416 is executed by the control unit 120.

Among the one-touch applications 136 installed in the device 100, one of the boxes 132 is designated as the output destination of the processing result data obtained as a result of executing the one-touch application 136. Such a one-touch application 136 includes identification information of the box 132 designated as an output destination.

The box management information 134 is information used for managing the box 132 group provided in the storage device 130 of the device 100. The box is an example of a storage area in the device 100. FIG. 3 shows an example of the data contents of the box management information 134. The box management information illustrated in FIG. 3 includes columns for a box number, an owner, and an instruction sheet for each box 132.

In the box number column, a box number which is an example of the identification information of the box 132 is registered. The box number is an example of the identification information of the storage area. The identification information of the storage area is not limited to the number format such as the box number. The identification information of the storage area may be any information as long as it has information content that can uniquely identify the storage area from the plurality of storage areas in the device 100.

In the owner column, identification information (hereinafter, also referred to as a user ID) of a user who has an access right to the box 132 is registered. Multiple owners may be registered for the box 132. When the box 132 is set to be available to anyone, the owner column of the box 132 is, for example, "anyone" or blank.

In the instruction sheet column, information for specifying the instruction sheet to be applied to the data stored in the box 132 (for example, identification information indicating the main body data of the instruction sheet stored in the storage device 130) is registered. To. The instruction sheet is data that defines the processing executed by the device 100.

For the data stored in the box 132, the process specified by the instruction sheet (hereinafter, also referred to as "instruction sheet corresponding to the box 132") shown in the column of the instruction sheet corresponding to the box 132 for the data. Is executed. It should be noted that it may be possible to set whether to automatically apply the instruction sheet corresponding to the box 132 to the data stored in the box 132, or to wait for the user's instruction to apply the instruction. If the latter is set, the instructions corresponding to the box 132 will not be applied to the data just because the data is stored in the box 132. In this case, the instruction is applied to the data only after the user selects the data in the box 132 and instructs the execution of the instruction. Further, regarding the former, that is, the instruction sheet corresponding to the box 132, when the fact of automatic application is set in the box 132, when the data is saved in the box 132, the instruction sheet is automatically applied. Applies to data. Applying an instruction to data means executing the process specified in the instruction to the data.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the data contents included in the instruction sheet. The illustrated instructions include "name", "update date", "owner", "description", "hash value", "processing content", "FAX", "Mail", "FTP", "Print", etc. Includes items. The "name" is the name of this instruction, for example, determined by the person who created this instruction (that is, the owner of this instruction). The "update date and time" is the date and time when the content of this instruction was last updated. The user ID of the owner of this instruction is registered in the item "owner". In the item "description", the wording of the explanation for the user regarding the processing content of the instruction sheet is registered. The item "hash value" is a hash value of data included in the item "processing content" described below.

In the item "processing content", data representing the processing content specified by this instruction sheet, for example, a program describing the processing content or a set of a function and setting information for specifying the processing content, and the like are registered. The above-mentioned "hash value" is a hash value of the data of this "processing content". When the "processing content" is a program, the program may be written in a script language, an execution format binary code, or the like.

In the item "FAX", when the "processing content" defined by this instruction includes the transmission of FAX (that is, facsimile), the FAX number of the transmission destination is registered. In the item "Mail", the e-mail address of the destination to which the output image (for example, the image to be printed, the image to be faxed, etc.) obtained as a result of the processing of the "processing content" specified in this instruction sheet is transmitted is registered. Will be done. In this example, it is assumed that the faxed image is sent to the administrator who manages the business (for example, for later auditing), and the item "Mail" contains the email address of the administrator. It is registered. In the item "FTP", when the "processing content" specified in this instruction includes, for example, the processing of transferring the processing result data to a remote server or the like by FTP (File Transfer Protocol), the transfer destination is specified. The indicated URL is registered. In the item "Print", when the "processing content" defined in this instruction sheet includes printing of an image obtained as a result of processing, print setting information and the like of the image are registered.

<What happens when you copy a one-touch app to another device>
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a situation that may occur when the one-touch application 136 installed on the device 100 is copied to another device 100 will be described.

The example of FIG. 5 shows a case where the user copies the one-touch application 136 (hereinafter referred to as “one-touch application A”) installed in the device 100A to the device 100B. Further, in this example, the one-touch application A is an application representing a process of outputting a scanned image obtained by scanning by a scanner included in the device 100A to a box 132A in the device 100A. Box 132A is identified by the identification information "003". Therefore, to be precise, the one-touch application A represents a process of storing the scanned image obtained by scanning by the scanner included in the device 100A in the box identified by the identification information "003". The box 132A is associated with an instruction 140A that specifies the processing to be applied to the data stored in the box 132A. The instruction sheet 140A represents a process of transferring the data stored in the corresponding box 132A to a specific server (named "server 1" in the figure) by FTP.

Consider a case where a user copies a one-touch application A in the device 100A to another device 100B on the same network 300 as the device 100A. In this case, the user accesses the device 100A from the client PC 200 on the network 300 and instructs the device 100A to back up the one-touch application A. In response to this, the device 100A creates backup data for the one-touch application A and transfers the backup data to the client PC 200. The transferred backup data is saved in the file system in the client PC 200. This backup data includes the one-touch application A.

After that, the user accesses the device 100B, which is the copy destination, from the client PC 200, and instructs the device 100B to copy the one-touch application A in the backup data saved earlier.

The processing content defined by the one-touch application A copied in the device 100B in response to this instruction is the same as the processing content of the one-touch application A in the device 100A. Therefore, when the one-touch application A copied in the device 100B is executed, the scanned image obtained by scanning by the scanner included in the device 100B is stored in the box 132B identified by the identification information "003" in the device 100B. The Rukoto.

Here, the instruction sheet 140B set in the box 132B in the device 100B is independent of the instruction sheet 140A set in the box 132A having the same identification information "003" in the device 100A. The processing content specified in the instruction sheet 140B is generally different from the processing content specified in the instruction sheet 140A. In the illustrated example, the processing content of the instruction sheet 140B is to fax the data (that is, the scanned image) stored in the box 132B to the fax number "045-xxx ...". Therefore, when the one-touch application A copied to the device 100B is executed, the image scanned by the device 100B is faxed to the fax number, which is the same when the same one-touch application A is executed on the copy source device 100A. It is different from the processing that is done. As a result of copying the one-touch application A by the user thinking that the scan result will be transferred to the "server 1" even in the device 100B as in the case of the device 100A, the scan result will be sent to a destination not expected by the user. Can happen.

<Mechanism for coping>
In the present embodiment, the backup generation unit 122, the application copy unit 124, and the client UI unit 126 in the control unit 120 execute a process for dealing with such a situation.

The backup generation unit 122 generates backup data of the one-touch application 136 in the storage device 130 in response to an instruction from the user. The backup data generated by the backup generation unit 122 includes the data of the one-touch application 136 itself and a hash value that specifies the processing content of the instruction 140A associated with the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136. (See FIG. 4) is included. As explained with reference to FIG. 4, this hash value is a hash value of the data of the processing content of the instruction sheet 140A, and can be said to uniquely specify the processing content. Further, the data of the one-touch application 136 itself included in the backup data includes the identification information of the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136.

When the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 to be backed up is other than the box, the backup data does not include the hash value that specifies the processing content of the instruction sheet. This is because the instruction sheet is not associated with the output destination other than the box.

In this example, the one-touch application 136 is an example of an information processing element, and the box 132 is an example of a storage area. The hash value is an example of processing specific information, and the backup generation unit 122 is an example of generation means.

The application copy unit 124 receives the backup data input from the user, and copies the one-touch application 136 included in the backup data into the storage device 130 of the own device. The input backup data is generated by the backup generation unit 122 of another device 100 (hereinafter referred to as "copy source device"). The application copy unit 124 uses the hash value included in the backup data to determine whether or not the processing result of the one-touch application 136 is processed in the own device in the same manner as in the case of the copy source device. That is, it is determined whether or not the hash value matches the hash value of the processing content of the instruction sheet set in the box 132 in the own device 100, which is the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136. If they match, the instruction sheet set in the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result when the one-touch application 136 is executed in the own device has the same processing content as that of the copy source device. In this case, the processing result of the copied one-touch application 136 is processed according to the instruction sheet having the same processing content as that of the copy source device. Therefore, even if the one-touch application 136 is copied to the own device, the user Unexpected situations do not occur. The application copy unit 124 is an example of a copy means.

On the other hand, if they do not match, the processing content of the instruction sheet set in the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 is different from that of the copy source device. In this case, if the one-touch application is executed, an instruction sheet having a processing content different from that of the copy source device is applied to the processing result by the execution in the output destination box 132. Such a situation may not be expected by the user. Therefore, in such a case, the application copy unit 124 does not immediately copy the one-touch application 136 in the backup data, but displays a warning message to the user via the client UI unit 126 to deal with it. Ask for.

The client UI unit 126 provides the client PC 200 with a UI screen for operating the device 100 via the network 300. The client UI unit 126 particularly provides a UI screen for backup processing of the one-touch application 136 and copy processing of backup data generated by the copy source device. The provision of this UI screen is performed using, for example, web technology.

FIG. 6 illustrates a processing procedure executed by the backup generation unit 122.

When the user accesses the client UI unit 126 of the device 100 from the client PC 200, the client UI unit 126 provides the client PC 200 with a menu screen. This menu screen includes "one-touch application backup" as one of the menu items. When the user instructs the execution of the menu item, the processing procedure of FIG. 6 is executed.

In this procedure, the client UI unit 126 provides the client PC 200 with a selection screen displaying a list of one-touch applications 136 installed in the storage device 130 of the own device 100. Then, the user accepts the selection of the one-touch application 136 to be backed up (S10).

When the user selects the one-touch application 136 to be backed up on the selection screen, the client PC 200 sends the result of the selection to the client UI unit 126. The backup generation unit 122 receives the selection result from the client UI unit 126, and analyzes the data of the processing content of the one-touch application 136 indicated by the selection result (S12). In this analysis, it is examined whether or not the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result data is specified in the one-touch application 136. That is, it is examined whether or not the processing content data of the one-touch application 136 includes the identification information of the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result data of the one-touch application 136. Further, when the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result data is specified in the one-touch application 136, the backup generation unit 122 further checks whether or not there is an instruction document associated with the box 132.

Based on the result of this analysis, the backup generation unit 122 states that "box 132 is specified as the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 to be backed up, and the instruction sheet is associated with the box 132". Is satisfied (S14).

When the determination result in S14 is Yes, the backup generation unit 122 generates a backup data file including the one-touch application 136 and the hash value of the processing content of the instruction (S16). The one-touch application 136 included in this file includes the identification information of the box 132, which is the output destination of the processing result data.

If the determination result in S14 is No, the backup generation unit 122 creates a backup data file including the one-touch application 136 (S17). In this case, since there is no instruction sheet applied to the processing result data of the one-touch application 136, unlike S16, the backup data generated in S17 includes the hash value of the processing content of the instruction sheet. Absent.

After S16 or S17, the backup generation unit 122 transmits the generated backup data file to the client PC 200 (S18). The client PC 200 receives the file and saves it.

Next, an example of the processing procedure executed by the application copy unit 124 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

The user acquires the backup data file of the one-touch application 136 in one device 100 in his / her client PC 200 according to the procedure of FIG. 6, and then accesses the client UI unit 126 of another device 100 as the copy destination. The client UI unit 126 provides a menu screen for the client PC 200. This menu screen includes "copy of backed up one-touch application" as one of the menu items. When the user instructs the execution of the menu item, the processing procedure shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is executed.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the client UI unit 126 provides the client PC 200 with a screen for accepting the selection of backup data to be copied (S20). The user inputs one selected from the backup data files stored in the client PC 200 into the input field of the screen displayed on the client PC 200. The client PC 200 transmits the selected backup data file to the client UI unit 126.

The application copy unit 124 of the device 100 receives the file of the backup data from the client UI unit 126, and analyzes the processing content of the one-touch application 136 included in the file (S22). In this analysis, first, it is examined whether or not the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result data is specified in the one-touch application 136. That is, it is examined whether or not the processing content data of the one-touch application 136 includes the identification information of the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result data of the one-touch application 136. Further, when the one-touch application 136 specifies the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result data, the application copy unit 124 further gives an instruction associated with the box 132 of the identification information in the device 100. Check if there is a book.

Based on the result of the analysis, the application copy unit 124 has a condition that "the box 132 is specified as the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136, and the instruction sheet is associated with the box 132". It is determined whether the condition is satisfied (S24).

When the determination result of S24 is No, the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 is other than the box, or even if the output destination is a box, the instruction sheet is not associated with the box. In the former case, since the processing result of the one-touch application 136 is not processed by the instruction sheet at the output destination, the above-mentioned situation does not occur. In the latter case, the processing result of the one-touch application 136 is stored in the box 132 in the device 100, but the instruction sheet is not associated with the box 132. Therefore, the processing result is simply saved in the box 132, and the instruction sheet of the processing content not expected by the user is not applied. Therefore, when the determination result of S24 is No, the application copy unit 124 copies the one-touch application 136 in the backup data into the storage device 130 of the device 100 (S26), and ends the process.

On the other hand, when the determination result of S24 is Yes, the instruction sheet associated with the box 132 specified as the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 in the backup data and the hash value included in the backup data. Compare (S28). Then, it is determined whether or not those two hash values match (S30). Here, if the instruction is not associated with the output destination box of the one-touch application in the copy source device, the hash value is not included in the backup data, but in that case, in S28. The result of the comparison is a mismatched neighbor, and the determination result of S30 is No.

When the determination result of S30 is Yes, the processing content of the instruction sheet associated with the box 132 is applied to the processing result of the one-touch application 136 on the copy source device 100 in the output destination box 132. It is the same as the processing content of the instruction sheet. Therefore, the behavior of the device 100 when the one-touch application 136 is copied to the device 100 and executed is the same as that of the copy source device 100, which is as expected by the user. Therefore, in this case, the application copy unit 124 copies the one-touch application 136 in the backup data into the storage device 130 of the device 100 (S26), and ends the process.

When the determination result of S30 is No, if the one-touch application 136 in the backup data is copied as it is, the processing result is output to any box 132 in the device 100 and associated with 132 in that box. Receive the processing of the instructions. If the processing content of this instruction is different from that of the copy source device 100, or if the instruction is not associated with the output destination box of the copy source device, the processing result of the copied one-touch application 136. Will receive processing that the user did not anticipate. Such a situation must be avoided.

Therefore, when the determination result in S30 is No, the application copy unit 124 provides the client PC 200 with a selection screen for receiving the user's instruction via the client UI unit 126, as shown in FIG. 8 (S40). .. On this selection screen (not shown), for example, the following three options are shown together with a warning message such as "The processing content of the instruction sheet executed at the copy destination is different from that of the copy source."
(1) Recreate the instruction sheet associated with the output destination box.
(2) Release the instruction sheet associated with the output destination box.
(3) Copy as it is.

Further, on this selection screen, the name of the instruction sheet associated with the output destination box 132 in each of the copy source device 100 and the device may be displayed. The display of the names of these instructions will be helpful when the user selects an option.

When the user selects the option (1) on the selection screen, the client UI unit 126 provides the client PC 200 with an instruction manual editing screen and causes the user to edit the instruction manual (S42). Then, it waits for the instruction to save the editing result to be input (S44). When the user completes the editing and gives an instruction to save the editing result instruction, the client UI unit 126 saves the editing result instruction in the storage device 130 and stores the instruction in the output destination box. Associate with 132 (S46). At this time, the instruction sheet associated with the box 132 up to that point is released. As a result, the processing of the instruction sheet is executed on the data stored in the box 132. Then, the application copy unit 124 copies the one-touch application 136 in the backup data to the storage device 130 (S26), and ends the process. In this case, since the instruction sheet edited by the user himself / herself is associated with the box 132, a situation unexpected by the user does not occur.

When the user selects the option (2) with respect to the selection screen provided in S40, the client UI unit 126 provides the client PC 200 with an association screen that accepts the setting of associating the instruction with the output destination box 132 (S48). ). This screen shows the identification information of the instructions currently associated with the box 132. On this screen, the user cancels the association of the instruction with the box 132 by deleting the identification information of the associated instruction. The client UI unit 126 waits for the user to perform an operation of disassociating the instruction with respect to the box 132 (S50). Then, when the release operation is performed, the association of the instruction with the box 132 is released (S52). Then, the application copy unit 124 copies the one-touch application 136 in the backup data to the storage device 130 (S26), and ends the process. In this case, since the instruction sheet is not associated with the box 132, the processing result of the copied one-touch application 136 is only stored in the box 132, and the box 132 does not receive the processing unexpected by the user. ..

When the user selects option (3) on the selection screen provided in S40, the user copies the one-touch application 136, knowing that the instruction to be executed is different from that on the copy source device. You have chosen that. Therefore, in this case, the application copy unit 124 simply copies the one-touch application 136 in the backup data to the storage device 130 (S26), and ends the process.

The process of backing up and copying the one-touch application 136 by the device 100 of the embodiment has been described above.

In the above example, if the instruction sheet is associated with the box 132 of the processing result output destination of the one-touch application 136, the determination results of S14 and S24 are Yes. As another example of this, even if the determination result of S14 and S24 is Yes when the instruction is associated with the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 in the "automatic execution" mode. Good. That is, in this example, there are an "automatic execution" mode and a "non-automatic execution" mode as modes for associating instructions with the box 132. The instructions associated with the box 132 in "auto-execute" mode are automatically executed when data is stored in the box 132. On the other hand, the instruction associated with the box 132 in the "non-automatic execution" mode is not executed only by storing the data in the box 132, but is executed only after receiving an explicit execution instruction from the user. .. When associating an instruction with a box, the user who instructed the association selects which mode to use, and the selected mode is stored in the storage device 130 in association with the information of the association between the box and the instruction. To. For example, consider a case where the instruction sheet associated with the output destination box 132 of the one-touch application 136 copied to the copy destination device 100 is in the "non-automatic execution" mode. In this case, the processing result of the one-touch application 136 is saved in the box 132, but in order to execute the instruction for the processing result, the user must explicitly instruct the execution of the instruction. .. Therefore, when giving the instruction, the user confirms the name of the instruction to be executed for the processing result on the screen and decides whether to instruct the execution after understanding it, which is unexpected by the user. Processing will not be executed. Therefore, when the instruction is associated with the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 in the "non-automatic execution" mode, there is no problem even if the determination result of S24 is set to No and the one-touch application 136 is copied. Is unlikely to occur. The same applies to the determination in S14. Further, the matters described in this paragraph are the same in the case of the modification described later.

<Modification example 1>
Modification 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

In the first modification, the instruction sheet having the same processing content as the instruction sheet associated with the output destination box 132 of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 on the copy source device 100 is sent to the output destination box 132 on the copy destination device 100. Provide a mechanism for associating.

FIG. 9 is an example of the processing procedure of the backup generation unit 122 in the modified example 1. In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9, the processing of S16A is different from the processing of S16 in the procedure of FIG. 6, and the processing of the other steps is the same as that of the procedure of FIG.

The backup data generated by the backup generation unit 122 in S16A includes the communication address (for example, IP address) of the device 100 in addition to the information included in the backup data generated by the backup generation unit 122 in S16 of FIG.

Further, the processing procedure of the application copy unit 124 in the first modification is the same as that of the above embodiment in the first half portion shown in FIG. 7, but the procedure of the above embodiment (FIG. 8) is in the second half portion shown in FIG. Includes parts that differ from (see).

In the first modification, the selection screen provided by the application copy unit 124 to the client PC 200 in S40A includes options (1) to (3) included in the selection screen provided in S40 of the procedure of the above embodiment (see FIG. 8). ), The following option (4) is included.
(4) Restore the original instructions.

The processing of the application copy unit 124 when the user selects any of the options (1) to (3) is the same as in the case of FIG.

When the user selects option (4), the application copy unit 124 connects to the copy source device 100 using the communication address included in the backup data. Then, the copy source device 100 is requested to search for an instruction sheet having a hash value having the same hash value as the hash value in the backup data (S54). When the copy source device 100 finds an instruction having the hash value in the storage device 130, it responds to the application copy unit 124 with the instruction, and if it does not find it, it responds that there is no corresponding instruction. .. This instruction sheet is an example of "process content information that defines the process content of the second process". When the application copy unit 124 receives the instruction from the copy source device 100 in response to the search request (the determination result in S56 is Yes), the application copy unit 124 stores the instruction in the storage device 130 of the own device. Then, the saved instruction sheet is associated with the output destination box 132 of the one-touch application 136 in the backup data (S58). Then, the application copy unit 124 copies the one-touch application 136 in the backup data to the storage device 130 (S26), and ends the process.

If the requested instruction cannot be obtained from the copy source device 100 in S54, or if communication with the copy source device 100 cannot be performed, the determination result in S56 is No. In this case, the application copy unit 124 provides the client PC 200 with a screen including a message indicating that the requested original instruction cannot be obtained, and returns to S40A to present the selection screen to the client PC 200 again. , Ask the user to select a process.

In the processing procedure illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the backup generation unit 122 generated backup data including the communication address of the own device 100 (S16A), but this is only an example. As another example, in S16A, the backup generation unit 122 communicates the instruction itself associated with the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 to be backed up, or the data of the processing content of the instruction. It may be included in the backup data instead of the address. The instruction sheet or the processing content data of the instruction sheet is "processing content information that defines the processing content of the processing applied to the processing result data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information in the own device. Is an example.

<Modification 2>
An owner may be set for each box 132 in the device 100. The owner of the box 132 is a user who can use the box 132. The information of the owner of the box 132 is stored in the storage device 130 as one item of the attribute information of the box 132.

In the above embodiment and the first modification, the identification information of the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 is the same between the copy source device and the copy destination device. However, when an owner is set for the box 132, the owner of the box 132 having the identification information may be different between the copy source device and the copy destination device. Such a thing is not preferable in terms of security.

Therefore, in this modification 2, in principle, the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 on the copy destination device is the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 on the copy source device. And let the owner choose from the same box.

FIG. 11 illustrates the processing procedure of the backup generation unit 122 of the modification 2. In the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, the processing of S16B is different from the processing of S16 in the procedure of FIG. 6, and the processing of the other steps is the same as that of the procedure of FIG.

The backup data generated by the backup generation unit 122 in S16B includes information of the owner of the output destination box of the one-touch application 136 to be backed up, in addition to the information included in the backup data generated by the backup generation unit 122 in S16 of FIG. Is included. The owner information is, for example, user identification information of the owner.

Further, FIG. 12 shows the first half of the processing procedure of the application copy unit 124 in the second modification. The procedure of FIG. 12 is a procedure in which S27 is inserted into the procedure of the above-described embodiment shown in FIG. That is, in the procedure of FIG. 12, when the determination result of S24 is Yes, the application copy unit 124 outputs the processing result of the one-touch application 136 to be copied in the own device (that is, the copy destination device) 100 specified in S24. Determine if the owner of the previous box matches the owner indicated by the owner information contained in the backup data. If the result of this determination is Yes, the application copy unit 124 executes the processes of S28 and subsequent steps in the same manner as in the procedure of FIG.

When the determination result in S27 is No, the application copy unit 124 indicates that the owner of the box 132 designated as the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 to be copied is different from the case of the copy source device 100. The notification message may be displayed on the client PC 200. If the determination result in S27 is No, the process proceeds to the subroutine shown in FIG. In this subroutine, the application copy unit 124 searches the box 132 in the own device 100 for the box 132 in which the user indicated by the owner information in the backup data is set as the owner (S60), and such It is determined whether or not the box 132 is found (S62). If the determination result in S62 is No, the application copy unit 124 sends an error message to the client PC 200 via the client UI unit 126, and cancels the copy of the one-touch application 136 (S74). This error message indicates, for example, "The copy of the one-touch application is canceled because the box of the same owner as the output destination box on the copy source device was not found in the device."

If the determination result in S62 is Yes, the application copy unit 124 determines whether or not the instruction sheet is associated with the box 132 found in S60 (S64). When the determination result of S64 is Yes, the application copy unit 124 compares the hash value of the processing content of the instruction sheet with the hash value included in the backup data (S66), and determines whether or not they match. Judgment (S68).

When the determination result of S68 is Yes, the application copy unit 124 copies the one-touch application 136 in the backup data to the storage device 130 in S26 of FIG. At this time, the application copy unit 124 sets the identification information of the box 132 found in S60 as the identification information of the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136.

If the determination result in S68 is No, the application copy unit 124 proceeds to S40 in the procedure shown in FIG. In this case, the application copy unit 124 sets the identification information of the box 132 found in S60 as the identification information of the box 132 of the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136 in S26 executed after S46, S52, etc. ..

When the determination result of S64 is No, that is, when the instruction is not associated with the box 132 found in S60, the application copy unit 124 asks the client PC 200 via the client UI unit 126 to display the selection screen ( (Not shown) is provided (S70). On this selection screen, a message to the effect that "Instructions are not associated with the box of the same owner in this device. Please select the process you want to execute from the following options." And backup An inquiry is displayed as to whether to copy the one-touch application 136 included in the data or to cancel the copy. When the user selects whether or not to copy the query, the application copy unit 124 executes a process according to the selection result (S72).

As a modification of the procedure of FIG. 13, when a plurality of boxes 132 having the user indicated by the owner information in the backup data as the owner are found in S62, the following processing may be performed. That is, in this case, if there is a box 132 associated with a processing instruction instruction having the same hash value as the hash value in the backup data among the plurality of found boxes 132, that box 132 is selected and copied. The box 132 is set as the output destination of the one-touch application 136.

The processing of the modified example 2 described above was based on the processing of the above-described embodiment described in FIGS. 6 to 8, but is based on the modified example 1 described in FIGS. 9 and 10. Is also possible.

<Modification example 3>
In the embodiments and modifications described above, the control unit 120 of the device 100 controls the copying of the one-touch application 136 between the devices 100, but this is only an example. As another example, the client PC 200 operated by the user may control the copying of the one-touch application 136.

In the third modification, as shown in FIG. 14, the backup process of the one-touch application 136 in the device 100 is controlled by the backup control unit 202 in the client PC 200. Further, the process of copying the backed up one-touch application to another device 100 is executed by the application copy control unit 204 in the client PC 200.

The backup control unit 202 provides a UI screen for backing up the one-touch application 136 to the user who operates the client PC 200. On this UI screen, for example, a list of devices 100 on the network 300 is displayed, and the selection of the device 100 having the one-touch application 136 to be backed up is accepted from the list. When the user selects the device 100 from the list, the backup control unit 202 requests a list of the one-touch application 136 from the device 100. Upon receiving this request, the control unit 120 of the device 100 responds with information indicating a list of the one-touch applications 136 in the storage device 130. The backup control unit 202 receives the information and displays a list of the one-touch applications 136 indicated by the information. Then, the selection of the backup target is accepted from the list. When the user selects the one-touch application 136 to be backed up, the backup control unit 202 acquires the data of the selected one-touch application 136 from the device 100. The backup control unit 202 analyzes the acquired one-touch application 136 (this process corresponds to S14 in FIG. 6). When it is found from this analysis that the box 132 is designated as the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136, the backup control unit 202 requests the device 100 for the instruction sheet associated with the box 132. .. In response to the request, the control unit 120 of the device 100 responds to the backup control unit 202 with the hash value of the processing content in the instruction sheet when the instruction sheet is associated with the box 132, and if not, the control unit 120 of the device 100 responds to the backup control unit 202. , Respond that there is no associated instruction. When the hash value is returned from the device 100, the backup control unit 202 generates and saves the backup data file including the one-touch application 136 and the hash value. When receiving a response from the device 100 that there is no associated instruction, the backup control unit 202 generates and saves a backup data file including the one-touch application 136. The backup control unit 202 is an example of an acquisition means for acquiring backup data.

When the application copy control unit 204 receives an instruction from the user to execute copying the backup data, the application copy control unit 204 displays a list of the stored backup data and accepts the user to select the backup data to be copied. Further, the application copy control unit 204 displays a list of the devices 100 on the network 300, and accepts the selection of the copy destination device 100 from the list. Next, the application copy control unit 204 analyzes the one-touch application 136 in the selected backup data. When it is found from this analysis that the box 132 is specified as the output destination of the processing result of the one-touch application 136, the application copy control unit 204 uses the instruction sheet associated with the box 132 as the copy destination. Request the selected device 100. In response to the request, the control unit 120 of the device 100 responds to the hash value of the processing content in the instruction sheet when the instruction sheet is associated with the box 132, and otherwise, the associated instruction. It responds to the application copy control unit 204 that there is no description. When the hash value is returned from the device 100, the application copy control unit 204 compares the hash value with the hash value in the backup data. Then, when the two hash values match, the device 100 is instructed to copy the one-touch application 136 in the backup data. The control unit 120 of the device 100 that receives this instruction stores the one-touch application 136 in the storage device 130. When the two hash values do not match, the application copy control unit 204 displays the same selection screen as in the case of S40 of FIG. 8 and accepts the selection from the user. Then, according to the selection result of the user, the same processing as that shown in FIG. 8 is performed. The application copy control unit 204 is an example of the copy means.

The functions of the backup control unit 202 and the application copy control unit 204 of the client PC 200 in the third modification may be mounted on the device 100.

In the embodiment and each modification described above, the hash value of the data of the processing content is used as the processing specific information for specifying the processing content of the instruction sheet, but this is only an example. Instead, for example, the data itself of the processing content may be used as the processing specific information.

Further, in the above, the one-touch application 136 has been illustrated as a backup and copy target, but the above-described embodiment and the processing of each modification can be applied to the backup and copy of information processing elements other than the one-touch application 136. Information processing elements other than the one-touch application 136 include, for example, a combination of identification information of a function of the device 100 used for processing and setting information about the function.

The information processing mechanism of the device 100 of the embodiment and each modification described above, and the client PC 200 are realized by causing the computer to execute a program representing the functions of the elements group constituting the device 100 or the client PC 200 described above. To. Here, the computer is, for example, hardware such as a processor, a memory (primary storage) such as a random access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an SSD (solid state drive), and an HDD (hard disk drive). A circuit in which a controller that controls a fixed storage device such as, various I / O (input / output) interfaces, a network interface that controls for connection with a network such as a local area network, etc. are connected via, for example, a bus. Has a configuration. A program in which the processing contents of each of these functions are described is saved in a fixed storage device such as a flash memory via a network or the like, and is installed in a computer. By reading the program stored in the fixed storage device into the RAM and executing it by the processor, the functional module group illustrated above is realized.

Here, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, and is a general-purpose processor (for example, CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) or a dedicated processor (for example, GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Special Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Fiber: Fiber: It includes Gate Arrays, programmable logic devices, etc.).

Further, the operation of the processors in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be performed not only by one processor but also by a plurality of processors existing at physically separated positions in cooperation with each other. Further, each operation of the processor (that is, the processing operation of each element of FIG. 1 realized by the operation of the processor) is not limited to the order described in the above-described embodiment and each modification, and is appropriately changed. You may.

100 devices, 110 operation panel, 120 control unit, 122 backup generation unit, 124 application copy unit, 126 client UI unit, 130 storage device, 132 box, 134 box management information, 136 one-touch application, 200 client PC, 300 network.

Claims (9)

The information processing element possessed by the own device and including the identification information of the storage area for storing the processing result data obtained by executing the process specified by the information processing element, and the identification information in the own device indicate. A generation means for generating and outputting first backup data including process specific information uniquely specifying a process applied to the process result data stored in the storage area.
When an instruction to copy the second backup data generated by the generation means of another device to the own device is input from the instructor, the identification information included in the information processing element included in the second backup data indicates. If the first process applied to the process result data stored in the first storage area in the own device is the same as the second process specified by the process specific information included in the second backup data, the relevant second process is applicable. A copy means that copies an information processing element to its own device and notifies the instructor if the first process is different from the second process.
Equipment including. As the notification, the copying means presents an inquiry to the instructor as to whether or not to cancel the association between the first storage area and the first process, and the instructor makes the association with the inquiry. The first aspect of the present invention, in which the association between the first storage area and the first process is canceled and the information processing element in the second backup data is copied to the own device when the answer is made to cancel. Equipment. The first backup data generated by the generation means further includes communication address information of the own device.
As the notification, the copy means presents to the instructor an inquiry as to whether or not to change the process applied to the process result data stored in the first storage area from the first process to the second process. Then, when the instructor replies to the inquiry that the change is made, the processing content of the second processing from the other device using the communication address information of the other device included in the second backup data. By acquiring the processing content information that defines the above and associating the acquired processing content information with the first storage area, the second processing is applied to the processing result data stored in the first storage area. To
The device according to claim 1 or 2. The first backup data generated by the generation means further defines the processing content of the processing applied to the processing result data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information in the own device. Contains content information,
As the notification, the copy means presents to the instructor an inquiry as to whether or not to change the process applied to the process result data stored in the first storage area from the first process to the second process. Then, when the instructor replies to the inquiry that the change is made, the processing content information of the second processing included in the second backup data is associated with the first storage area, thereby causing the first storage area. (1) The second process is applied to the process result data stored in the storage area.
The device according to claim 1 or 2. The first backup data generated by the generation means further includes user identification information of a user associated with the storage area indicated by the identification information in the own device.
When the user identification information included in the second backup data is different from the user identification information of the user associated with the first storage area, the copy means notifies the instructor.
The device according to claim 1. When the user identification information included in the second backup data is different from the user identification information of the user associated with the first storage area, the copy means can be used from among the plurality of storage areas in the other device. If a storage area to which the same processing as the second processing is applied is found in the processing result data associated with and stored in the same user identification information as the user identification information included in the second backup data, the inside of the second backup data The information processing element of the above is copied to the own device after rewriting the identification information in the information processing element into the identification information of the found storage area, and the processing result data obtained by executing the information processing element is obtained. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a notification indicating that the data is stored in the found storage area is given to the instructor. The computer that the device has
The information processing element possessed by the own device and including the identification information of the storage area for storing the processing result data obtained by executing the process specified by the information processing element, and the identification information in the own device indicate. A generation means for generating and outputting first backup data including process specific information uniquely specifying a process applied to the process result data stored in the storage area.
When an instruction to copy the second backup data generated by the generation means of another device to the own device is input from the instructor, the identification information included in the information processing element included in the second backup data indicates. If the first process applied to the process result data stored in the first storage area in the own device is the same as the second process specified by the process specific information included in the second backup data, the relevant second process is applicable. A copying means that copies an information processing element to its own device and notifies the instructor if the first process is different from the second process.
A program to function as. An information processing element possessed by the first device and including identification information of a storage area for storing processing result data obtained by executing the information processing element, and storage indicated by the identification information in the first device. An acquisition means for acquiring backup data including process specific information that uniquely identifies the first process applied to the process result data stored in the area, and
A copy means for copying the information processing element in the backup data to the second device in response to an instruction from the instructor, and
Including
When the second process applied to the data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information in the second device is different from the first process specified by the process specific information, the copy means said. An information processing device that notifies the instructor. Computer,
An information processing element possessed by the first device and including identification information of a storage area for storing processing result data obtained by executing the information processing element, and storage indicated by the identification information in the first device. An acquisition means for acquiring backup data including process specific information that uniquely identifies the first process applied to the process result data stored in the area.
A copying means for copying the information processing element in the backup data to the second device in response to an instruction from the instructor.
It is a program to function as
When the second process applied to the data stored in the storage area indicated by the identification information in the second device is different from the first process specified by the process specific information, the copy means said. A program that notifies the instructor.

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